The central rotunda was once the brightest space in the Shedd Aquarium, illuminated by a translucent laylight 65 feet above the floor. A 1970 renovation made it the darkest space of the aquarium in order to accommodate a coral reef tank, which required a dim, controlled environment. The laylight was destroyed and the walls painted black and dark green. The rotunda has now been restored to its original grandeur as a bright, welcoming space. The walls were painted in the original 1930 colors and aquatic appointments such as nautilus torcheres have been restored. The new ceiling panels are translucent and have dimmable fluorescent fixtures below a blackout curtain that shields the reef exhibit from daylight. The exterior skylight is now lit to cast an aquamarine glow in the night skyline. The jury was impressed by the integration of historic detail and new technology.